Strong rumours link Chiwetel Ejiofor to Star Wars role

Oscar frontrunner Chiwetel Ejiofor might just have landed a role in JJ Abrams' new Star Wars film...

There's some serious Oscar buzz building up already for Chiwetel Ejiofor, off the back of his lead performance in director Steve McQueen's new film, 12 Years A Slave. Ejiofor, also seen in the likes of American Gangster, Chidren Of Men and Kinky Boots, plays Solomon Northup in the new film, a man who's kidnapped and sold into slavery. Reviews for his work have been nothing short of sensational.

Now, a new story over the weekend popped up in The Times Magazine, which suggests that he might be in line for a major blockbuster movie role. Specifically, a role in Star Wars: Episode VII.

The article in question talks about an interview with JJ Abrams, and the specific line that's raised speculation levels is "the British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, front-runner in this year’s Oscar race, is sitting in the lobby of JJ Abrams’ office. If you’re a sci-fi fan, this might be very big news indeed".

In the main article itself, Abrams is asked whether Ejiofor has indeed won a Star Wars role, and the fairly predictable response of "I can't discuss casting" is given. Abrams does add that "he's a very talented gentleman".

Other sources are suggesting that he has indeed been cast in the film, though.

We maintain that a Star Wars: Episode VII announcement, with the key cast confirmed, can't be too far away now. It's all but clear that Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford are returning, and rumours continue - despite denials - to link Benedict Cumberbatch to the project. But as for Chiwetel Ejiofor? It seems quite likely, but we await confirmation...